Fugitive Gomez sought in Ruhenstroth raid

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Ruhenstroth residents were startled when Douglas County deputies responded at 9 p.m. Wednesday to an address on Thorobred looking for felony fugitive David Gomez, 31.

Deputies received information that Gomez, one of Douglas County’s most wanted felons, was in an outbuilding located on the property at 641 Thorobred Ave., according to sheriff’s spokesman Sgt. Pat Brooks.

After obtaining a search warrant for the property, the sheriff’s Special Weapons and Tactics team responded to the address and entered the building.

Once inside, deputies didn’t find Gomez, but did recover a firearm.

“The sheriff’s office is considering filing a criminal complaint against any family or friends who are harboring David Gomez,” Brooks said.

Gomez has eluded capture since he failed to appear for an Oct. 1 court date. He left the building just before the proceedings where he was being arraigned on charges of trafficking, habitual felon and possession of a dangerous weapon. According to his attorney, he’d signed a plea agreement. Gomez faced up to life in prison. Visiting Judge Charles McGee gave him until 3 p.m. to return but Gomez failed to appear. He is being sought on two fugitive warrants.

He has been reported riding a dirt bike in the Pine Nuts between Mud Lake and Ruhenstroth on a couple of occasions.

A reward is being offered to anyone with information leading to the arrest and conviction of the suspect. Callers will remain anonymous. Anyone with information regarding this case is urged to call (775) 782-5126 or Douglas County Secret Witness at 775-78-CRIME (775-782-7463).

Gomez was arrested in May 2013 after he ran from deputies trying to serve a warrant for a probation violation.

When he was taken into custody, deputies reportedly found 27.9 grams of methamphetamine, empty plastic bags, a switchblade, a pay notebook and $457.

Gomez has a lengthy criminal history and multiple failures to appear.

He spent 31/2 years in prison before being released in November 2012. Gomez has served two prior prison terms for selling methamphetamine, and eluding a peace officer who believed Gomez was trying to run him over with a van.